Method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure

ABSTRACT

A method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure includes preparing an adhesive sheet having at least an adhesive layer and a repairing or reinforcing material, irradiating the adhesive sheet with ionizing radiation, and attaching the adhesive layer to the target structure after the irradiation with the ionizing radiation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-089492, filed Apr. 23, 2014,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a method of repairing or reinforcing a targetstructure, a method of producing a repaired or reinforced targetstructure, and an adhesive sheet and a method of manufacturing thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Social infrastructure facilities have been developed with nationaleconomic growth such as highways, water control facilities, sewage linesystems, port and harbor facilities, residential houses, parks,revetments, airports, or government buildings. These socialinfrastructure facilities are gradually getting older as time goes by.However, it is difficult to rebuild all of the social infrastructurefacilities at the same time. Therefore, infrastructure improvements areextending to the social infrastructure facilities step by step as thesocial infrastructure facilities waiting to be rebuilt are repaired orreinforced.

Infrastructure improvement by repair or reinforcement is a matter tourgently be dealt with from the viewpoint of safety. However, certainproblems are being encountered, such as: (A) a large amount of eachdeteriorated social infrastructure facility needs to be repaired orreinforced; (B) a great deal of labor and time are necessary forrepairing or reinforcing operations and inspection operations such asvisual inspection tests and hammering tests; (C) the above operationsare difficult for operators to effectively carry out because theprotocols for the above operations are not standardized; and (D) a largeamount of cost is necessary for the infrastructure improvements.

Methods of repairing or reinforcing a concrete structure in a tunnelhave been proposed. For example, one method is to apply an adhesivematerial or a coating material more than once to a target area of aconcrete structure. Another method is to attach a repairing orreinforcing sheet to a target area of a concrete structure. Inparticular, a repairing or reinforcing sheet has been preferably used inorder to prevent penetration of deterioration causing factors such asoxygen, carbon dioxide, and chloride ions into a concrete structure.Therefore, different methods of repairing or reinforcing a concretestructure by using a repairing or reinforcing sheet have been proposed.

Japanese Patent Application 2010-144360 discloses a method of repairingor reinforcing a concrete structure. The method is accomplished by thefollowing steps: a step of preparing a repairing or reinforcing sheetincluding a middle layer having a resin sheet, and side layers having afabric material on each side of the middle layer; a step of attachingthe repairing or reinforcing sheet to a concrete structure by means ofan adhesive material with one side of the side layers contacting aconcrete structure; and a step of applying a coating material to theother side of the side layers. According to Japanese Patent Application2010-144360, this can prevent the repairing or reinforcing sheet fromfalling before the adhesive material has been completely cured, and canprovide a high quality operation even if the target concrete structureis vertical to the ground, or the adhesive sheet is placed on a ceiling.Furthermore, the coating material can be applied without waiting for theadhesive material to cure because the middle layer completely separatesthe adhesive material from the coating material.

Japanese Patent Application 2004-027718 discloses a repairing orreinforcing sheet. The sheet comprises a protective layer and a coatedadhesive layer having a pressure-sensitive adhesive or hot-melt adhesiveon a side facing the target concrete structure. According to JapanesePatent Application 2004-027718, this can reduce the time and effortneeded for repairing or reinforcing a concrete structure, and canprovide quality stability by attaching the repairing or reinforcingsheet to a target concrete structure in a workplace.

The above related methods, however, cannot prevent an adhesive materialfrom sticking to an operator's hand or face during a measuring operationin the case that a liquid adhesive material is used. As a result therelated methods burden operators with difficulty dealing with a liquidadhesive material. Additionally, with these methods, operators have tocure an adhesive layer after attaching it to concrete, and thereforethey must carry a heating device or an ultraviolet light irradiationdevice into a workspace and must apply heat or ultraviolet light to theceiling or wall in the case a photo-curable adhesive layer or athermosetting adhesive layer is used. Additionally, with these methods,an opaque substrate cannot be used in the case that a photo-curableadhesive layer is used.

One object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable ofreducing the time and effort needed for repairing or reinforcing atarget structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment, there is provided a method of repairingor reinforcing a target structure comprising the steps of: preparing anadhesive sheet comprising at least an adhesive layer having a first sideand a second side, and a repairing or reinforcing material configured tosupport the adhesive layer; irradiating the adhesive sheet with anionizing radiation so as to initiate a curing reaction of the adhesivelayer; and attaching the first side of the adhesive layer to the targetstructure after the irradiating step.

According to a second embodiment, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing an adhesive sheet comprising the steps of: forming anadhesive layer to be applied to a separation sheet, the adhesive layercomprising an ionizing radiation curable resin and a compound configuredto release a polymerization initiator by irradiation with ionizingradiation; irradiating the adhesive sheet with ionizing radiation so asto initiate a curing reaction of the adhesive layer; and preserving theadhesive sheet at a low temperature after the irradiating step.

According to a third embodiment, there is provided a method of producinga repaired or reinforced target structure comprising the steps of:determining an area to be repaired or reinforced; and repairing orreinforcing the area according to the above method.

According to a fourth embodiment, there is provided an adhesive sheetfor repairing or reinforcing a target structure comprising: an adhesivelayer having an ionizing radiation curable resin and a compoundconfigured to release a polymerization initiator by irradiation of anionizing radiation, the adhesive layer having a first side and a secondside; a separation sheet provided on at least the first side of theadhesive layer; and a repairing or reinforcing material configured tosupport the adhesive layer.

The disclosed embodiments make it possible for operators to effectivelyconduct repairing or reinforcing work for the target structure, and toreduce operation time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross-section view illustrating an adhesive sheet having anadhesive layer and a repairing or reinforcing material, FIG. 1B is across-section view illustrating an adhesive sheet having an adhesivelayer, a repairing or reinforcing material, and a separation sheet, andFIG. 1C is a cross-section view illustrating an adhesive sheet having anadhesive layer, a repairing or reinforcing material, and two separationsheets.

FIG. 2A is a cross-section view illustrating an adhesive sheet having anadhesive layer, a repairing or reinforcing material, and a separationsheet, and FIG. 2B is a cross-section view illustrating an adhesivesheet having an adhesive layer and a repairing or reinforcing material.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-section views illustrating adhesive sheetshaving at least an adhesive layer and a repairing and reinforcingmaterial.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-section views illustrating adhesive sheetshaving a functional material in place of the separation sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments are disclosed below. The embodiments include amethod of repairing or reinforcing a target structure, a method ofproducing a repaired or reinforced target structure, an adhesive sheetand a method of manufacturing an adhesive sheet. Exemplary embodimentsof the present invention are described herein. It should be noted thatthese exemplary embodiments are merely examples and the presentinvention is not limited to the detailed embodiments.

Method of Repairing or Reinforcing a Target Structure

One embodiment is a method of repairing or reinforcing a targetstructure and will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4B.The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure includes astep of preparing an adhesive sheet comprising at least an adhesivelayer and a repairing or reinforcing material (also described as the“preparing step” below), a step of irradiating the adhesive sheet withionizing radiation so as to initiate a curing reaction of the adhesivelayer (also described as the “irradiating step” below), and a step ofattaching the adhesive layer to the target structure (also described asthe “attaching step” below). Furthermore, the method of repairing orreinforcing a target structure may include a step of shielding theadhesive layer from the irradiation with ionizing radiation after thepreparing step (also described as the “shielding step” below), and astep of preserving the adhesive sheet at a low temperature after theirradiating step (also described as the “preserving step” below).

According to the method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure,the adhesive sheet 10 will be attached to the target structure afterinitiating the curing reaction of the adhesive layer 2. Subsequently, nointentional operation for curing the adhesive layer 2 need be done. Theadhesive layer 2 will have bonded to the target structure whileoperators are running or arranging the next operation. As a result, thiscan reduce the time and effort needed for repair or reinforcement. Inparticular, the method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure isvaluable in the situation where operators have to efficiently andquickly carry out a repairing or reinforcing operation (e.g., night-timeconstruction of a tunnel, highway or railway).

(Target Structure)

The target structure is the object to be repaired or reinforced.Examples of target structure include bridges, tunnels, highways, dams,sewage line systems, port and harbor facilities, residential houses,commercial facilities, government facilities, parks, water controlfacilities, airports, and revetments. A method of repairing orreinforcing a target structure made of concrete will be illustratedbelow as one example.

(Preparing Step)

The adhesive sheet 10 having the adhesive layer 2 and the repairing orreinforcing material 3 is prepared in the preparing step. The adhesivelayer 2 is capable of bonding to the target structure. The curingreaction of the adhesive layer 2 can be initiated by irradiation withionizing radiation (discussed below), and can gradually continue underthe ambient temperature of the structure (also described as the “ambienttemperature” below) without any further active curing treatment by theoperator(s). The adhesive layer 2 may include a delay-curing adhesive.

(Irradiating Step)

The adhesive sheet 10 is irradiated with ionizing radiation so as toinitiate the curing reaction of the adhesive layer 2 in the irradiatingstep.

The irradiation with ionizing radiation is carried out not after theadhesive sheet 10 has been attached to the target structure but beforethe adhesive sheet 10 is attached to the target structure. Therefore,the irradiation with ionizing radiation can be carried out on the levelground or in a wide workspace. Furthermore, the irradiation withionizing radiation can be carried out in a Roll-to-Roll manner by usinga stationary ionizing irradiation device. Additionally, the irradiationwith ionizing radiation can be carried out by exposing the adhesivesheet 10 to sunlight. The ionizing radiation is produced byelectro-magnetic waves having an energy greater than or equal to theenergy of ultraviolet light. The ionizing radiation includes, forexample, ultraviolet light, extreme ultraviolet light, X-rays, and/orelectron beams. The ionizing radiation includes the ultraviolet light insunlight. As described herein, the ionizing radiation does not excludethe existence of electro-magnetic waves, the energy of which is lessthan the energy of ultraviolet light.

Ultraviolet light, which has a wavelength range of 300 nm to 370 nm, maybe used in such a manner that the accumulated amount of ultravioletlight on respective sides is greater than or equal to 50 mJ/cm² and lessthan or equal to 3000 mJ/cm². Furthermore, the accumulated amount ofultraviolet light could be any value within that range, such as 50mJ/cm², 100 mJ/cm², 500 mJ/cm², 1000 mJ/cm², 1500 mJ/cm², 2000 mJ/cm²,2500 mJ/cm², 3000 mJ/cm², or any value between those values. Theelectron beams may be used in such a manner that the dose of theelectron beams is greater than or equal to 50 kGy and less than or equalto 100 kGy. Furthermore, the dose of the electron beams could be anyvalue within that range, such as 55 kGy, 60 kGy, 65, kGy, 70 kGy, 75kGy, 80 kGy, 85 kGy, 90 kGy, 95 kGy, or any value between those values.

The irradiation with ionizing radiation is directed to at least a firstside S1 of the adhesive layer 2, which will be attached to the targetstructure, or a second side S2 of the adhesive layer 2, which isopposite to the first side S1. Additionally, the irradiation withionizing radiation may be directed to both the first side S1 and thesecond side S2. In this case, the irradiation with ionizing radiationdirected to the first side S1 may have a time overlap with theirradiation directed to the second side S2. In other words, the firstside S1 and the second side S2 may be at least partially irradiatedsimultaneously. Preferably, the time overlap engages more than 50% ofthe irradiation period, more preferably substantially 100% of theirradiation period. The irradiation with ionizing radiation may also bedirected to both of the sides without any time overlap.

The curing reaction of the adhesive layer 2 is encouraged by a timeoverlap even if the amount of the irradiation with ionizing radiation isless than the defined amount. The accumulated amount directed to eachside can be greater than or equal to 500 mJ/cm² in the case thatultraviolet light having a wavelength range of 300 nm to 370 nm isdirected to both of the sides.

Preferably the adhesive sheet 10 is capable of maintaining a certainpressure-sensitive adhesive strength. In other words, preferably theadhesive sheet 10 is capable of maintaining a certain pressure-sensitiveadhesive property strong enough to stay attached to the target structureuntil operators have completed the operation for attachment. Thestandard operation time is generally estimated to last from about thirtyseconds to about twenty-four hours. Preferably the adhesive sheet 10 iscapable of maintaining a certain pressure-sensitive adhesive strengthstrong enough to stay attached to the target structure at least withinthe standard operation time.

Preferably the pressure-sensitive adhesive strength of the adhesivesheet 10 is in the range of 0.01 N/inch to 50 N/inch, which is measuredunder a condition where the adhesive sheet 10 is attached to an aluminumplate. The adhesive sheet 10 is capable of being attached to the targetstructure if the lower limit of the pressure-sensitive adhesive strengthis at least 0.01 N/inch. There is no upper limit, and the upper limit ofthe value may be set at values greater than 50 N/inch. Thus, thepressure-sensitive adhesive strength may be, for example, 0.01 N/inch,0.1 N/inch, 0.5 N/inch, 1 N/inch, 5 N/inch, 10 N/inch, 15 N/inch, 20N/inch, 25 N/inch, 30 N/inch, 35 N/inch, 40 N/inch, 45 N/inch, 50N/inch, or greater, as well as any value between those values. Morepreferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive strength can be maintainedin the above range within the standard operation time.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive strength of the adhesive sheet 10, whichis measured under the above condition, can be evaluated as thepressure-sensitive adhesive strength before the irradiating step becauseit does not drastically change after the irradiating step. Therefore,the pressure-sensitive adhesive strength of the adhesive sheet 10between the preparing step and the irradiating step is preferably set inthe range of 0.01 N/inch to 50 N/inch.

(Attaching Step)

The adhesive sheet 10 is attached to the target structure in theattaching step. After the attaching step, application of an activeirradiation with ionizing radiation or an active heat to the adhesivesheet 10 will not be needed. Therefore, operators can save the time andeffort needed for applying additional irradiation with ionizingradiation or a heating operation because they need not carry outadditional curing treatments. The adhesive sheet 10 will have bonded tothe target structure while operators are running or arranging the nextoperation. As explained above, the standard operation time is about 30seconds to about 24 hours. The pressure-sensitive adhesive strength ofthe adhesive sheet 10 is preferably set in the range of 0.01 N/inch to50 N/inch within the standard operation time.

The exemplary embodiment may include the shielding step or thepreserving step.

(Shielding Step)

The adhesive sheet 10 is shielded from the irradiation with ionizingradiation in the shielding step so that the adhesive sheet 10 can beprotected from unintentional irradiation by ionizing radiation. Theshielding step can be carried out after the preparing step and beforethe irradiating step. For example, the adhesive sheet 10 may be put intoa container capable of shielding it from ionizing radiation. Theadhesive sheet 10 may be covered with a separation sheet capable ofshielding it from ionizing radiation. The shielding step can betemporarily interrupted during the irradiating step, and can berestarted thereafter.

(Preserving Step)

The adhesive sheet 10 is preserved at a low temperature in thepreserving step so that the curing reaction is brought under controlafter the irradiating step. The adhesive sheet 10 may be preserved atless than or equal to 0 degrees C., preferably at less than or equal to−20 degrees C. The preservation may take place at any temperaturebetween −20 degrees C. and 0 degrees C., or a temperature lower than −20degrees C. For example, the adhesive sheet 10 may be preserved in arefrigerator or freezer. The adhesive sheet 10 may be preserved in acontainer with a refrigerant. The preserving step can overlap with theshielding step in the case that the adhesive sheet 10 is preserved in acool and dark place. The adhesive sheet 10 can be transported to aworkspace with the adhesive sheet 10 being maintained in a cooled state,and can be used for the repairing or reinforcing operation thereafter.

The adhesive sheet 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 4B will be attached tothe target structure in accordance with the following method.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the adhesive sheet 10A is illustrated,which has the adhesive layer 2 and the repairing or reinforcing material3 provided within the adhesive layer 2. In FIG. 1A, the first side S1will be attached to the target structure. In FIG. 1B, the first side S1will be also attached to the target structure, and then a separationsheet 1 provided on the second side S2 will be removed. According toFIG. 1C, the adhesive sheet 10B is illustrated, which has the adhesivelayer 2 and the repairing or reinforcing material 3 provided within theadhesive layer 2. In FIG. 1C, firstly a separation sheet 1′ provided onthe first side S1 will be removed, then the first side S1 will beattached to the target structure, and finally a separation sheet 1provided on the second side S2 will be removed. The adhesive sheet 10(10A, 10B) may include other material such as a protective material oranother repairing or reinforcing material. In the case of using othermaterial, firstly the separation sheet 1 on the second side S2 in FIG.1C will be removed, then the second side S2 will be attached to theother material, then the separation sheet 1′ on the first side S1 willbe removed, and finally the first side S1 will be attached to the targetstructure.

According to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the adhesive sheet 10 (10C, 10D) isillustrated, which has the adhesive layer 2 and the repairing orreinforcing material 3 provided on the second side S2. The repairing orreinforcing material 3 may be provided directly or indirectly on theadhesive layer 2. In FIG. 2A, the separation sheet 1 provided on thefirst side S1 will be removed, and the first side S1 will be attached tothe target structure. In FIG. 2B, the first side S1 will be attached tothe target structure. According to these embodiments, operators caneasily carry out a repairing or reinforcing operation because therepairing or reinforcing material 3 is provided on the adhesive layer 2prior to the attaching step.

According to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, the adhesive sheet 10 (10E,10F, 10G) is illustrated, which has the first adhesive layer 2, thesecond adhesive layer 2′, and the repairing or reinforcing material 3provided between the second side S2 of the first adhesive layer 2 andthe second side S2′ of the second adhesive layer 2′. In FIG. 3A, firstlythe first separation sheet 1 provided on the first side S1 will beremoved, then the first side S1 will be attached to the targetstructure, then the second separation sheet 1′ provided on the firstside S1′, which will be attached to a functional material in the casethat the first side S1 is supposed to be attached to the targetstructure, will be removed, and finally the functional material will beattached to the first side S1′. In FIG. 3B, the first side S1 will beattached to the target structure. In FIG. 3C, the first side S1 will beattached to the target structure, and then the first separation sheet 1′will be removed. In FIGS. 3B and 3C, a functional material may beprovided on the first side S1′. The adhesive layer (2, 2′), therepairing or reinforcing material 3, and the separation sheet (1, 1′)are configured in order as illustrated in the figures, and each of themis provided directly or indirectly on the corresponding adjacent member.

Preferably the adhesive layer 2 is attached to the target structure bymeans of the pressure bonding adhesion properties with a roller press.Furthermore, the adhesive layer 2 can be pressed and heated by a heatingroller, or can be pressed by a roller and then can be heated by hot airso that the curing reaction of the adhesive layer 2 is accelerated.

Examples of the repairing or reinforcing material 3 include aramidfiber, carbon fiber, vinylon fiber, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)fiber used for reinforcement. Examples of the repairing or reinforcingmaterial 3 include an advertising sheet, a coated sheet, a waterproofsheet, a water absorbing sheet, a water retaining sheet, an ultravioletlight resistant sheet, or a colored sheet used for repair with otherfunctions. The functions directed to the objectives of reinforcementinclude, for example, concealing damage, correcting unevenness,enhancing strength, retaining water, protecting a surface, or decoratinga surface.

A primer agent may be applied to the target structure before theattaching step. The primer agent can improve adhesion of the adhesivelayer 2 to the target structure. For example, ALPRON W301 (manufacturedby Nichibei Resin Co., Ltd.), or Primer II for reinforced concrete(manufactured by Mizutani Paint Co., Ltd.) can be used. The primer agentcan be applied to the target structure in the range of about 1 μm to 1mm in thickness.

Operators can reduce the time and effort needed for repairing orreinforcing a target structure by using the adhesive sheet 10. Operatorscan easily attach the adhesive sheet 10 to the target structure byirradiating at least the first side (S1, S1′) with ionizing radiationeven if the adhesive sheet 10 itself does not have ionizing radiationpermeability. Additionally, operators can further reduce the time andeffort by irradiating the adhesive sheet 10 with ionizing radiation inthe Roll-to-Roll manner on level ground or in a wide workspace.

[Adhesive Sheet]

One exemplary embodiment is an adhesive sheet and will be explainedbelow. The adhesive sheet 10 will be attached to the target structure,and can be used for repairing or reinforcing it. The adhesive sheet 10includes the adhesive layer 2, the separation sheet 1 provided on atleast the first side S1 of the adhesive layer 2, and the repairing orreinforcing material 3 configured to support the adhesive layer 2. Theadhesive layer 2 contains an ionizing radiation curable resin and acompound configured to release a polymerization initiator by theirradiation with ionizing radiation.

(Adhesive Layer)

The adhesive layer 2 has pressure-sensitive adhesive properties at leastbefore the irradiation with ionizing radiation, and will have bondingadhesive properties after the irradiation with ionizing radiation. Theadhesive layer 2 contains a liquid epoxy resin or solid epoxy or both,which are ionizing radiation curable resins, and a curing agent capableof curing the liquid epoxy and/or the solid epoxy resin. The adhesivelayer 2 may include a delay-curing adhesive, the curing reaction ofwhich gradually proceeds after the irradiation with ionizing radiation.The adhesive layer 2 can be attached to the target structure by usingthe pressure-sensitive adhesive properties. As a result, the adhesivelayer 2 can be attached to the target structure after the irradiatingstep. The adhesive layer 2 can be removed from the target structure andthen can be attached to it again within a certain period of time becausethe curing reaction of the adhesive layer 2 gradually proceeds after theirradiating step. The adhesive layer 2 can avoid falling owing tobonding adhesive properties even if the surface of the target structureis vertical to the ground or the adhesive layer 2 is placed on theceiling of the target structure.

The adhesive layer 2 is attached to the target structure in such amanner that the first side S1 bonds to the target structure.Additionally, other materials such as a protective material, or anotherrepairing or reinforcing material may be provided on the second side S2.In the present application, “adhesive” means the possession of bothpressure-sensitive adhesive properties and bonding adhesive properties,and “pressure-sensitive adhesion” means a temporary bonding phenomenonand is sometimes distinguished from “bonding adhesion,” which means apermanent bonding phenomenon (Physicochemical Dictionary, 5th version,Iwanami Shoten).

The adhesive layer 2 is formed like a sheet or layer by using acomposition for an adhesive layer formation. The composition for anadhesive layer formation refers to the composition for forming theadhesive layer 2 by the method such as coating. The composition for anadhesive layer formation contains an acrylic resin, a liquid epoxy resinand solid epoxy, which are ionizing radiation curable resins, and acuring agent capable of curing the liquid epoxy resin and/or the solidepoxy resin.

The adhesive layer 2 contains chemical species capable of causingdelay-curing. Some methods of causing delay-curing have been proposed.The method of using the chemical species capable of releasing apolymerization initiator by irradiation with ionizing radiation can beused.

An example of the chemical species used in delay-curing includes thechemical species capable of gradually generating a polymerizationinitiator (e.g., a base) by irradiation with ionizing radiation as wellas a photobase generator.

An example of the above photobase generator is the chemical specieswhich may gradually generate a base by irradiation with ionizingradiation. For example, the above photobase generator will berepresented by the following chemical formula, and preferably generate abase by ultraviolet light or electron beams.

In the following chemical formula, R1 and R2 each independentlyrepresent hydrogen or a monovalent organic group and may be the same ordifferent; R1 and R2 may be combined to form a cyclic structure,provided that at least one of R1 and R2 represents a monovalent organicgroup; and R3, R4, R5, and R6 each represent hydrogen, a halogen, or amonovalent organic group and may be the same or different, or two ormore of R3, R4, R5, and R6 may be combined to form a cyclic structure.

The photobase generator generates a base upon irradiation with ionizingradiation such as ultraviolet light or electron beams, and thegeneration of a base is accelerated. Accordingly, a base can beeffectively generated by irradiation with ionizing radiation. Thephotobase generator refers to an agent which does not exhibit activityunder ordinary temperatures and pressure conditions but generates a baseupon exposure, for example, to ionizing radiation as an externalstimulus. The photobase generator has the above specific structure.Therefore, upon irradiation with ionizing radiation, a (—CH═CH—C(═O)—)moiety in the chemical formula is isomerized to a cis form, and further,upon heating, cyclization occurs to generate an amine NHR1R2 that is abase.

The content of the curing agents which can cure the adhesive layer 2 byirradiating with ionizing radiation is preferably greater than or equalto 1% by mass and less than or equal to 10% by mass based on the totalamount of the liquid epoxy resin and the solid epoxy resin in the casethat the curing agents initiate cationic polymerization. The content maybe any value within the range of 1% to 10% by mass, such as 2%, 3%, 4%,5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or any value therebetween. Further, the content ofthe curing agents is preferably greater than or equal to 0.8 and lessthan or equal to 1.2 equivalents based on the epoxy equivalent of theliquid epoxy resin and the solid epoxy resin in the case that the curingagents react with epoxy resins in an equivalent reaction, for example,phenol-based curing agents and acid anhydride-based curing agents. Thecontent may be any value within the range of 0.8 to 1.2 equivalents,such as 0.9, 1. 1.1, or any value therebetween.

The thickness of the adhesive layer 2 is preferably 150 μm to 500 μm,more preferably 150 μm to 300 μm. The thickness may be any value withinthe range of 150 μm to 500 μm, such as 200 μm, 300 μm, 400 μm, or anyvalue therebetween.

The adhesive layer 2 may be formed on the separation sheet 1, which is,for example, subjected to easy separation treatment. The separationsheet 1 will be explained below in detail.

The composition for an adhesive layer formation is prepared by mixingthe above materials and stirring the mixture for dissolution. Thestirrer usable for stirring is not particularly limited, and examplesthereof include conventional kneading and dispersing machines, forexample, twin roll mills, three-roll mills, pebble mills, trommels,high-speed impeller dispersants, high-speed stone mills, high-speedimpact mills, high-speed mixers, ribbon blenders, cokneaders, intensivemixers, tumblers, blenders, dispersant, homogenizers, and ultrasonicdispersants.

The composition for an adhesive layer formation may be coated by anymethod without particular limitation. Examples of printing methodsinclude gravure printing, flexo printing, and offset printing. Coatingmethods include, for example, roll coating, reverse coating, Kommacoating, knife coating, die coating, and gravure coating.

The drying of the coated composition for an adhesive layer formation ispreferably carried out under such conditions that the solvent containedin the composition for an adhesive layer formation can be satisfactorilyvolatilized and, at the same time, a lowering in pressure-sensitiveadhesive properties due to excessive acceleration of curing of theliquid epoxy resin and the solid epoxy resin does not occur. The dryingis generally carried out by holding at a temperature of 50 to 100degrees C. for two to twenty minutes.

(Configuration of Adhesive Sheet)

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, and FIG. 2A, the adhesive sheet 10(10A, 10B, 10C) includes the adhesive layer 2, and the separation sheet1 provided on the first side S1 and/or the second side S2. Theseparation sheet 1 may be provided on one side as illustrated in theadhesive sheet 10 (10A, 10C), or the separation sheets (1, 1′) may berespectively provided on both sides of the adhesive layer 2 asillustrated in the adhesive sheet 10B. According to the adhesive sheets10A and 10B, the adhesive sheet contains the repairing or reinforcingmaterial 3 within the adhesive layer 2. In this case, the repairing orreinforcing material 3 may be at least partially saturated with theadhesive layer 2, or may be covered with the adhesive layer 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the adhesive sheet 10 (10C, 10D)includes the adhesive layer 2, and the repairing or reinforcing material3 provided on the second side S2. In this case, the adhesive sheet 10may include the separation sheet 1 provided on the first side S1 as inthe adhesive sheet 10C, or the first side S1 may be free as shown forthe adhesive sheet 10D.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, the adhesive sheet includes thefirst adhesive layer 2, the repairing or reinforcing material 3 providedon the first adhesive layer 2, and the second adhesive layer 2′ providedon the repairing or reinforcing material 3. The separation sheet 1′ maybe provided on the second adhesive layer 2′ as illustrated in FIG. 3Aand FIG. 3C. Alternatively, the first side (S1, S1′) may be free asillustrated in FIG. 3B.

The component of the second adhesive layer 2′ may be substantially thesame as the component of the first adhesive layer 2, or may be differentfrom the component of the first adhesive layer 2. The former is morepreferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing costs.

(Separation Sheet)

The separation sheet (1, 1′) is provided on one side (S1 or S2) or bothsides (S1 and S2) as illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 2A. The separationsheet (1, 1′) will cover and protect the first side S1 or both the firstside S1 and the second side S2 until the attaching step. The separationsheet 1 may be provided on the second side S2 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.The separation sheet (1, 1′) may be respectively provided on the firstside S1 and the second side S2 as illustrated in FIG. 1C.

The separation sheet 1 may be provided on the first side S1 asillustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A. Furthermore the separation sheet 1′may be provided on the first side S1′ of the second adhesive layer 2′ asillustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C.

The side of the separation sheet (1, 1′), which is configured to bedirected to the adhesive layer (2, 2′), is preferably subjected to easyseparation treatment. The separation sheet (1, 1′) subjected toeasy-separation treatment can easily be separated after the attachingstep.

The separation sheet (1, 1′) is not particularly limited, and a widevariety of sheets can be used, as long as the separation sheet (1, 1′)has strength and flexibility sufficient that the separation sheet (1,1′) can protect the adhesive layer 2.

The irradiation with ionizing radiation to the adhesive layer 2 can becarried out through the separation sheet (1, 1′) in the case that theseparation sheet has ionizing radiation permeability.

The irradiation with ionizing radiation to the adhesive layer 2 can becarried out directed to both sides of the adhesive layer 2 through bothof the separation sheets (1, 1′) with a time overlap in the case thatboth of the separation sheets (1, 1′) have ionizing radiationpermeability.

Furthermore, an indicator may be provided with the separation sheet,which may provide a signal corresponding to, for example, theirradiation period, the irradiation intensity, or the irradiation doseby means of the indicator changing its color according to the level ofeach of these values. As a result, operators can monitor the conditionof the adhesive layer 2 by checking the indicator.

Preferably the adhesive sheet 10 will be preserved in a container suchas a bag or box capable of preventing ionizing radiation frompenetrating inside in the case that the separation sheet (1, 1′) hasionizing radiation permeability.

The separation sheet capable of shielding the adhesive layer fromionizing radiation can be used. In this case, the curing reaction of theadhesive layer 2 will be prevented from being initiated even ifunintentional ionizing radiation is directed to the adhesive sheet 10.For example, the sheet with a thin film containing carbon or metal canbe used as the above separation sheet. In particular, providing theadhesive sheet 10, from which one separation sheet is removed andanother separation sheet capable of shielding the adhesive layer fromionizing radiation is left, can maintain the adhesive sheet 10 in a goodcondition even if a long time has passed since the irradiating step.Furthermore, providing the adhesive sheet 10 with the separation sheet(1, 1′), which has a concavity and convexity pattern or holes, can makeit possible to easily attach the separation sheet to the adhesive layer2 without causing air bubbles between the separation sheet (1, 1′) andthe adhesive layer 2.

Preferably the adhesive sheet 10 may be preserved in a container capableof shielding the adhesive layer from ionizing radiation even though theseparation sheet capable of shielding it from ionizing radiation isused.

In the case that the separation sheet (1, 1′) is provided respectivelyon both sides of the adhesive layer, the separation sheet capable ofshielding the adhesive layer from ionizing radiation may be on one side,and the separation sheet incapable of shielding it from ionizingradiation may be on the other side. In the case the adhesive sheet 10 isrolled up or stacked in such a manner that the separation sheet capableof shielding the adhesive layer 2 from ionizing radiation is configuredto be on the outer side, the separation sheet on the outer side canshield the adhesive layer 2 from ionizing radiation. In this case, theirradiation with ionizing radiation can be directed to the adhesivelayer 2 through the separation sheet on the inner side. Additionally,ionizing radiation will go through the adhesive layer 2 on the innerside, then will be reflected by the separation sheet on the outer side,and then will go through the adhesive layer 2 again. Therefore, ionizingradiation can be utilized. The sheet with a thin film containing metalsuch as aluminum can be used as the separation sheet capable ofreflecting the ultraviolet light as ionizing radiation.

In the case that the separation sheets (1, 1′) are provided on bothsides of the adhesive sheet 10, the adhesive sheet 10 may be attached tothe target structure after one separation sheet is removed, and theother separation sheet may be left on the adhesive sheet 10 for acertain period. The other separation sheet can protect the attached areafrom rain or wind until the adhesive layer 2 has been fixed to thetarget structure. Examples of the separation sheet (1, 1′) include asheet having a metal or metal oxide thin film such as aluminum, asilicon or silicon oxide thin film, a fine particle containing layerincluding particles such as titanium oxide, and a hard coat layerincluding strengthen resin. The separation sheet (1, 1′) is not limitedto these examples. The above layers can improve durability of theseparation sheet (1, 1′) against abrasion. The gas barrier layer, whichhas a metal or metal oxide thin film such as aluminum, or a silicon orsilicon oxide thin film, can avoid the cure inhibition of the adhesivelayer 2 due to components in the air. Preferably the separation sheethaving the gas barrier layer can be used in order to prevent a basegenerated from a photobase generator from being neutralized.

Examples of the separation sheet (1, 1′) include a heat transfer layeror a heat generation layer. The heat transfer layer and the heatgeneration layer can prevent the adhesive layer 2 from damage even if aheating operation is carried out in order to accelerate the curingreaction.

(Repairing or Reinforcing Material)

The repairing or reinforcing material 3 may be provided within theadhesive layer 2, or may be at least partially saturated with theadhesive layer 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C. Furthermore, therepairing or reinforcing material 3 may be provided directly orindirectly on the adhesive layer 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B,and FIGS. 3A to 3C.

Examples of the repairing or reinforcing material include one or moreselected from the group consisting of polyester fiber, polyamide fiber,aramid fiber, vinylon fiber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, and polyolefinfiber. Preferably polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, aramid fiber,vinylon fiber, and polyolefin fiber can be used from the viewpoint oflight weight and strength. These fibers may be blended, or may be woven.Furthermore, these fibers may be laminated. The repairing or reinforcingmaterial is not limited to these examples. The functions directed to theobjectives of reinforcement include, for example, concealing damages,correcting unevenness, improving strength, retaining water, protecting asurface, or decorating a surface.

Additional examples of the repairing or reinforcing materials include awaterproof sheet, a water absorbing sheet, an ultraviolet lightresistant sheet, a water retaining sheet, or a colored sheet.Furthermore, the repairing or reinforcing material may comprise at leastone selected from these sheets and a material such as fiber.

Preferably the repairing or reinforcing material 3 has a strength (areinforcement strength) high enough to support separated concrete piecesor concrete pieces that are likely to be separated, for example, when apart of a concrete structure has been separated or is likely to beseparated. The strength is preferably greater than or equal to 1500 N ata displacement greater than or equal to 10 mm, for example, in apunching test specified in former Japan Highway Public Corporation (EastNippon Expressway Company Limited, Central Nippon Expressway. Co., Ltd.,and West Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd.).

The thickness of the repairing or reinforcing material 3 is, forexample, in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm. The thickness can be lessthan 0.01 mm or greater than 0.1 mm, and can be any value in betweenthese values, such as 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07mm, 0.08 mm, and 0.09 mm.

(Others)

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C, since the adhesive layer(2, 2′) is provided on respective sides of the repairing or reinforcingmaterial 3, the adhesive sheet 10 (10E, 10F, 10G) can function like anadhesive double coated tape. Concrete can be applied to the first sideS1 of the adhesive layer 2 in the adhesive sheet 10, and a functionalmaterial that will be described later can be applied to the first sideS1′ of the second adhesive layer 2′. As illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG.4B, in the adhesive sheet 10E, 10G, the functional material 4, which isformed like a sheet or layer, may be provided in place of the separationsheet F.

The functional material 4 may have one or more functions such as lightresistance, water resistance, antifouling properties, weatheringresistance, impact resistance, scratch resistance, acid resistance,alkali resistance, and design.

According to the disclosed adhesive sheet, the time and effort neededfor repair or reinforcement can be reduced and operators can efficientlycarry out a repairing or reinforcing operation due to the provision ofthe adhesive sheet for repairing or reinforcing a target structurecomprising: a first adhesive layer comprising an ionizing radiationcurable resin and a compound configured to release a polymerizationinitiator by the irradiation of ionizing radiation, the first adhesivelayer having a first side and a second side; a separation sheet providedon at least the first side of the adhesive layer; and a repairing orreinforcing material configured to support the first adhesive layer.

EXAMPLES

The preferred embodiments are further illustrated by the followingexamples. The present invention, however, is not limited to thefollowing examples.

Example 1

An adhesive sheet corresponding to Example 1, as explained below, wasprepared for the purpose of being attached to a concrete wall as atarget structure. Furthermore, the adhesive sheet was rolled up in aroll shape and preserved in an opaque container so as to be shieldedfrom unintentional ionizing radiation thereafter before the attachingstep.

A pressure sensitive adhesive strength of the adhesive sheet before theirradiating step (also described as the “initial pressure sensitiveadhesive strength” below) was evaluated at about 17 N/inch, which wasmeasured in a condition in which the adhesive sheet was attached to analuminum plate. The pressure sensitive adhesive strength was measured inaccordance with the following procedures. Firstly, the adhesive sheetwas cut into a size of 25 mm by 150 mm. Subsequently, a separation sheeton the first side of an adhesive layer was removed, and the first sidewas attached to the aluminum plate made of an aluminum alloy (A6061,plate size: 25 mm by 150 mm). Subsequently, the adhesive sheet waspeeled back to 20 mm from one edge thereof by hand, and the pressuresensitive adhesive strength was measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237(tensile speed: 300 mm/minute, peeling distance: 150 mm, peeling angle:180 degrees) with a tensile tester (manufactured by A & D Co., Ltd.,model: RTF-1150H).

A stationary ionizing radiation irradiation device was set on the levelground near a work area. The adhesive sheet was delivered in sequencefrom a roll. The adhesive sheet was irradiated with ionizing radiationwhile the adhesive sheet was passing through an irradiation unit of theirradiation device. Then, the adhesive sheet was rolled up again in aroll shape. The adhesive sheet was irradiated using the ultravioletlight as ionizing radiation. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light wasin the range of 300 nm to 370 nm. The accumulated amount of light was800 mJ/cm². The ultraviolet light was directed to the first side. Thepressure sensitive adhesive strength of the adhesive sheet after theirradiating step, which was measured in the same manner as the above,was substantially the same as the strength before the irradiating step.

The adhesive sheet was delivered again, and then was cut into pieceshaving a size of 1 m² each. One piece of the adhesive sheet wastransported to the predetermined construction site. A separation sheetwas removed from the adhesive sheet. The first side of the adhesivelayer was attached to a concrete wall, and the adhesive layer waspressed by a hand roller. The pressure sensitive adhesive strength ofthe adhesive sheet before the attaching step, which was measured in thesame manner as the above, was substantially the same as that before theirradiating step. Therefore, the pressure sensitive adhesive strength ofthe adhesive sheet turned out to be greater than or equal to about 10N/inch after the irradiating step.

No additional curing treatments were carried out after the attachingstep. The adhesive sheet was left for seven days under the ambienttemperature of the target structure. In this case, the ambienttemperature was between 18 degrees C. and 25 degrees C. After sevendays, a laying performance was evaluated based on a visual inspection.When a test piece was visually observed, a laying performance wasevaluated to be “A” (i.e., “Excellent”) if an adhesive sheet could befirmly attached to a target structure and if unevenness could not bevisually observed, and to be “B” (i.e., “Poor”) if an adhesive sheetcould not be attached to a target structure due to lack of a pressuresensitive adhesive strength or if unevenness could be visually observed.

Another piece of the adhesive sheet was attached to a concrete plate inthe same manner as the above for the purpose of testing bondingstrength. The concrete plate with the adhesive sheet was cut into 40 mmeach by a concrete cutter. Subsequently, the bonding strength wasevaluated in accordance with the “test method punching of spallingprevention” 2004; test JHS-424. As a result, the bonding strength wasevaluated to be about 2 N/mm², which was sufficient to meet practicallevels.

Subsequently, the anti-spalling performance was evaluated in accordancewith the “test method punching” Japan Highway Public Corporationresearch standard; test JHS-424 2004. As a result, the anti-spallingperformance was evaluated to be greater than 5 IN, which was sufficientto meet practical levels. The anti-spalling performance was evaluated at“A” (i.e. “Excellent”) if the anti-spalling performance met practicallevels, and at “B” (i.e. “Poor”) if the anti-spalling performance didnot meet practical levels. In Table 1 below, “A” is shown for theanti-spalling performance of this example.

One implementation of this embodiment makes it possible for operators toefficiently conduct repairing or reinforcing work and efficiently reducethe total operation time because operators can run the next operation orcan arrange the next operation while leaving the adhesive sheet attachedto a target structure without special treatments. In particular, oneimplementation of this embodiment is useful in a situation in whichoperators have to efficiently and quickly conduct repairing orreinforcing work (e.g., night-time tunnel construction, railwayconstruction, and so on).

(Adhesive Sheet)

A 38 μm-thick transparent polyester film (manufactured by MitsuiChemicals Tohcello, Inc., trade name: SP-PET-03) was provided as aseparation sheet having one surface subjected to easy-separationtreatment with a silicon-based separating agent. A composition asdescribed below was coated on the surface of the separation sheetsubjected to easy-separation treatment so as to be 100 μm-thick by anapplicator, and two identical sets were made. The two coated separationsheets were dried in a drying oven at 80 degrees C. for two minutes inorder to form an adhesive layer thereon. Subsequently, carbon fiber as arepairing or reinforcing material (manufactured by Toho Tenax Co., Ltd.,trade name: W-3101) was provided on one of the adhesive layers, and waspressed by a 2 kg-roller at room temperature. Subsequently, carbon fiberwas also provided on the other adhesive layer, and two sets were pressedtogether by the 2 kg-roller on a hot plate set at 60 degrees C. so thatthe carbon fibers were in contact with each other. By this means, theadhesive sheet corresponding to Example 1 was prepared having therepairing or reinforcing sheet saturated with the adhesive layer.

(Composition for an Adhesive Layer Formation)

Liquid epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin, 100 parts by mass Epoxyequivalent: 190 g/eq., Mw: 380, manufactured by Mitsubishi ChemicalCorporation, trade name; jER828) Curing agent having a mercapto group 70parts by mass (pentaerythritol tetrakis 3-mercapto propionate, viscosity400 to 500 mPaS/25 degree, Mercaptan equivalent: 125 to 137 g/eq.,manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name; QX40)Acrylic resin (modified methyl methacrylate-butyl 50 parts by massacrylate-methyl methacrylate triblock copolymer with amide group derivedfrom acrylamide, Tg; −42 degrees C., manufactured by Arkema Inc., tradename: M22N) Photobase generating agent A (see the 5 parts by masssynthesis method described below) Diluting solvent (ethyl acetate,manufactured 100 parts by mass by DIC Graphics Corporation)

(Synthesis of Photobase Generator A)

First, 15 mL of methanol was placed in a 100-mL flask, and 2.00 g ofpotassium carbonate was added thereto. Subsequently, 10 mL of methanolwas placed in a 50-mL flask. Ethoxycarbonylmethyl (triphenyl)phosphonium bromide (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)(2.67 g (6.2 mmol)) and 1.7 g (6.2 mmol) of2-hydroxy-4-(5-ethylhexyloxy)-5-ethylbenzaldehyde were added thereto anddissolved in the mixture. The thoroughly stirred methanol solution ofpotassium carbonate was then slowly added dropwise to the solution, themixture was stirred for 3 hours, and the completion of the reaction wasconfirmed by TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography). Subsequently, potassiumcarbonate was removed by filtration, followed by concentration under thereduced pressure. After the concentration, 50 mL of a 1 N aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution was added, and the mixture was stirred for one hour.After the completion of the reaction, triphenylphosphine oxide wasremoved by filtration, concentrated hydrochloric acid was added dropwisethereto, and the reaction solution was acidified. The precipitates werecollected by filtration and were washed with a small amount ofchloroform to give 1.7 g of2-hydroxy-4-(5-ethylhexyloxy)-5-ethylcinnamic acid. Subsequently, 1.0 g(3.19 mmol) of 2-hydroxy-4-(5-ethylhexyloxy)-5-ethylcinnamic acid wasdissolved under a nitrogen atmosphere in 10 mL of dehydratedtetrahydrofuran in a 100-mL three-necked flask.1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) (0.73 g (3.83 mmol,1.2 eq.) was added to the solution under an ice bath, and 30 minutesafter the addition, 129 mg (1.52 mmol, 0.95 eq.) of piperidine(manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added as anamine thereto, followed by stirring overnight. After the completion ofthe reaction, the reaction solution was concentrated, and theconcentrate was dissolved in water. The solution was extracted withchloroform. The extract was washed with an aqueous hydrogen carbonatesolution, 1 N hydrochloric acid, and saturated brine, was dried oversodium sulfate, and was then concentrated to give 1.0 g of photobasegenerator A represented by formula (I):

Example 2

An adhesive sheet corresponding to Example 2 was prepared in the samemanner as in Example 1 except using the composition described below.Properties of the adhesive sheet were evaluated in the same manner as inExample 1.

(Composition for an Adhesive Layer Formation)

Solid epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin, 100 parts by mass Mw: 500,manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name; jER1009)Curing agent having a mercapto group 7.6 parts by mass (pentaerythritoltetrakis 3-mercapto propionate, viscosity 400 to 500 mPaS/25 degree,Mercaptan equivalent: 125 to 137 g/eq., manufactured by MitsubishiChemical Corporation, trade name; QX40) Acrylic resin (modified methyl50 parts by mass methacrylate-butyl acrylate-methyl methacrylatetriblock copolymer with amide group derived from acrylamide, Tg; −42degrees C., manufactured by Arkema Inc., trade name: M22N) Photobasegenerating agent A (see the 5 parts by mass synthesis method describedabove) Diluting solvent (ethyl acetate, 100 parts by mass manufacturedby DIC Graphics Corporation)

Example 3

An adhesive sheet corresponding to Example 3 was prepared in the samemanner as Example 1 except replacing the 50 μm-thick aluminum foil withcarbon fiber as a repairing or reinforcing sheet. Properties of theadhesive sheet were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1.

Comparative Example 1

An adhesive sheet corresponding to Comparative Example 1 was prepared inthe same manner as in Example 1 except using the composition describedbelow. Properties of the adhesive sheet were evaluated in the samemanner as in Example 1.

(Composition for an Adhesive Layer Formation)

Solid epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin, 50 parts by mass Mw: 500,manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name; jER1009)Curing agent (dicyandiamide, manufactured 10 parts by mass by MitsubishiChemical Corporation, trade name; DICY7) Curing promoter (amineadduct-based 5 parts by mass curing promoter, manufactured by AjinomotoFine-Techno Co., Inc., trade name: AJICURE MYH) Diluting solvent (ethylacetate, 100 parts by mass manufactured by DIC Graphics Corporation)

Comparative Example 2

An adhesive sheet corresponding to Comparative Example 2 was prepared inthe same manner as in Example 1 except using the composition describedbelow. Properties of the adhesive sheet were evaluated in the samemanner as in Example 1.

(Composition for an Adhesive Layer Formation)

Solid epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin, 50 parts by mass Mw: 500,manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name; jER1009)Liquid epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin, 50 parts by mass Epoxyequivalent: 190 g/eq., Mw: 380, manufactured by Mitsubishi ChemicalCorporation, trade name; jER828) Curing agent (dicyandiamide,manufactured by 10 parts by mass Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, tradename; DICY7) Curing promoter (amine adduct-based curing 5 parts by masspromoter, manufactured by Ajinomoto Fine-Techno Co., Inc., trade name:AJICURE MYH) Diluting solvent (ethyl acetate, 100 parts by massmanufactured by DIC Graphics Corporation)

[Results]

The evaluating results are illustrated in Table 1. According to Table 1,the operation corresponding to Example 1 turned out to have the mostsignificant advantages regarding the laying performance and theanti-spalling performance. Furthermore, the adhesive sheet correspondingto Example 1 turned out to have the highest values regarding the initialpressure sensitive adhesive strength and the bonding strength.

TABLE 1 Initial pressure Bonding sensitive adhesive Laying strengthAnti-spalling strength (N/inch) performance (N/mm2) performance Example1 17 A 2 A Example 2 0.05 A 1.5 A Example 3 17 A 1.5 A Comparative 0.02B — — Example 1 (not laid) Comparative 5 A 0.3 B Example 2 (uncured)

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing or reinforcing a targetstructure comprising the steps of: preparing an adhesive sheetcomprising at least an adhesive layer having a first side and a secondside, and a repairing or reinforcing material; irradiating the adhesivesheet with ionizing radiation so as to initiate a curing reaction of theadhesive layer; and attaching the first side of the adhesive layer tothe target structure after the irradiating step.
 2. The method ofrepairing or reinforcing a target structure according to claim 1,wherein the curing reaction of the adhesive layer continues under anambient temperature of the target structure after the attaching step. 3.The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure according toclaim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation is directed to at least thefirst side of the adhesive layer.
 4. The method of repairing orreinforcing a target structure according to claim 3, wherein theirradiating of the adhesive sheet includes directing the ionizingradiation to one of the first side and the second side of the adhesivelayer and directing the ionizing radiation to the other of the firstside and the second side such that the first side and the second sideare at least partially irradiated simultaneously.
 5. The method ofrepairing or reinforcing a target structure according to claim 4,wherein an ultra violet light having a wavelength in the range of 300 nmto 370 nm is used in the ionizing radiation.
 6. The method of repairingor reinforcing a target structure according to claim 5, wherein anaccumulated amount of the ultra violet light directed to each of thefirst and second sides is greater than or equal to 500 mJ/cm.sup.2. 7.The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure according toclaim 1, further comprising the step of: shielding the adhesive sheetfrom the irradiation with the ionizing radiation after the preparingstep.
 8. The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structureaccording to claim 1, further comprising the step of: preserving theadhesive sheet at a low temperature after the irradiating step.
 9. Themethod of repairing or reinforcing a target structure according to claim1, further comprising the step of: providing a functional material onthe second side of the adhesive layer after the attaching step.
 10. Themethod of repairing or reinforcing a target structure according to claim1, further comprising the steps of: rolling up the adhesive sheetirradiated with the ionizing radiation; unrolling the adhesive sheet;cutting off a piece of the unrolled adhesive sheet; and transporting thepiece to a work site.
 11. The method of repairing or reinforcing atarget structure according to claim 1, wherein the repairing orreinforcing material is provided within the adhesive layer.
 12. Therepairing or reinforcing method according to claim 11, wherein therepairing or reinforcing material is at least partially saturated withthe adhesive layer.
 13. The method of repairing or reinforcing a targetstructure according to claim 1, wherein the repairing or reinforcingmaterial is provided directly on the second side of the adhesive layer.14. The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a light delay-curingadhesive.
 15. The method of repairing or reinforcing a target structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive strengthof the adhesive layer between the irradiating step and the attachingstep is greater than or equal to 0.01 N/inch and less than or equal to50 N/inch.
 16. A method of producing a repaired or reinforced targetstructure comprising the steps of: determining an area to be repaired orreinforced on the target structure; and repairing or reinforcing thearea by the method according to claim
 1. 17. The method of producing arepaired or reinforced target structure according to claim 16, furthercomprising the step of applying a primer agent to the target structurebefore the repairing or reinforcing step.